Every business survives not only on its customer service or products, but on its financial foundation. A lot of business owners shy away from the financial talk, which can seem overwhelming as it isn’t your specialty or your expertise, but therefore you need to look for guidance elsewhere.

I recently heard about a day spa owner planning to put a new $95,000 laser treatment machine into service mere days after a brief training program and taking delivery of it. Shaken by the obvious perils of inexperienced technicians zapping spa guests with advanced targeted devices, and having written and spoken extensively on risk management within the spa industry etc.

Branding and social media go hand in hand, and it is hard to succeed at one without the other. Branding, for example, creates a personality around your spa business. Clients that resonate with your brand personality can become fiercely loyal, and will help shape your reputation. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram assist in this process, providing a space where etc.

According to the Canadian Survey on Disability recently released by Statistics Canada, about 3.8 million working-age Canadians (aged 15 to 64) self-identified as disabled in 2012. That's 13.7 per cent of us. That means that statistically, every seventh client you serve is disabled in some way. That percentage is going up as our population ages, since 50 per cent of people over the age of 65 experience disability.

Getting new people into your spa isn’t necessarily the challenge. After all, word of mouth through friends and family is a big help along with a good public relations and social media strategy. The real challenge is reaching those that have never been to the spa before. How do you convince the newbie spa-goer that the spa is for them? Here are five marketing strategies to attract the first-timers to your spa.

Proper infection control practices benefit both spa staff and guests - A lack of legislation surrounding health and safety at the spa makes it difficult to establish a standard of practices that all spa businesses must adhere to. This leads to a diversity of approaches to infection control, which can cause problems.

When Bonnie Annis and Will Roderick first conceived of the L.E.A.D. Spa & Wellness Conference in 2017, they wanted to stop seeing their spa clients go out of business. The co-founders of L’Moor, a Canadian supplier of spa and wellness products, supplies and equipment, decided they needed to provide the spa industry with a vital missing piece.

When is the right time to renovate your spa business? “When you know, you know,” says Sonia Imerti, owner of Oakville, Ontario’s Pretty in Pink Spa. “It’s kind of like when people say, ‘is there a right or wrong time to have a baby?’” she says. “You just have to go with your gut.”

How effectively you communicate as a team, in the workplace and with your guests, can help determine the success of your spa in the long run. But it can only happen if you have an effective, reliable organizational framework in which each team member knows what is expected and can be confident doing his or her job.

Are you trying to expand your spa business? Unsure how to tap into new markets and grow your demographic? The solution may be to hit the road and start your very own mobile spa. “Most spas can’t accommodate 30 people and we can,” says Joanna Wright, co-owner of Wright Spa Mobile Service. “We bring everything to you, the entire spa experience, and make your office or home feel like a real spa.”

Nadeem Jiwani started floating in someone’s basement when he was studying economics, business and psychology at the University of Waterloo, Ontario. His first float was great, but he didn’t completely relax, Jiwani says. He had a bit of an epiphany the second time around and by the third time, he was hooked.

As the winter creeps in, a spa can provide a welcomed vacation from the cold weather and an immersion in health and wellness. For spa owners and staff, this season is a great time of year to market a healthy getaway at a destination spa. As the wellness tourism trend continues to surge, the number of health retreats increases, too.

The 2017 Global Wellness Summit in Palm Beach, Florida shone a spotlight on disease prevention last October. According to the World Economic Forum, roughly 70 per cent of all deaths each year result from preventable diseases, while the global cost of largely preventable chronic disease could reach $47 trillion by 2030

It’s easy to forget that many active skin care ingredients are fragile. It’s only a matter of time until heat and oxygen render them useless. Products expire as soon as their expiration date or the end of their PAO (period after opening) is reached.

Many spas have already added medical spa treatments to their existing list of services. The two most prominent ones – laser treatments and CoolSculpting – require not only a significant capital outlay, but also staff and training to run them.

The time has come for spa operators to embrace the significant opportunity to improve the financial performance of their operations. Without fundamentally changing the services or products they sell, they can make small but significant changes to when they offer those services in order to produce incredible improvements.

Most spas are dedicated to serving clients in their teens and up, but according to a 2013 report by ISPA, only about 28 per cent of spas offer services to children under the age of 13. To be sure, children cannot be treated in the same way as more mature spa-goers, but they are certainly in need of the wellness benefits of the spa as much as their parents.

I recently attended the most impressive 2016 Global Wellness Summit in Kitzbuhel, Austria, an international gathering of wellness industry providers. I was privileged to come away with what I believe is a glimpse at the future of the spa industry, one that today’s businesses can choose to either ignore or embrace.

I recently attended the most impressive 2016 Global Wellness Summit in Kitzbuhel, Austria, an international gathering of wellness industry providers. I was privileged to come away with what I believe is a glimpse at the future of the spa industry, one that today’s businesses can choose to either ignore or embrace.

Understanding the male spa-goer is one thing; retaining their loyalty is quite another. Here are some tips and tactics I’ve gleaned from the experts about how to get men into the spa and keep them there:

As a fast-moving society, we tend to work long hours to get ahead in the work place or to climb the corporate ladder. Taking on more responsibilities when a role is eliminated, when we are short-staffed or when an employee takes maternity leave are examples of how we continue to add to our workload.

Anna-Cari Gund is the President of CIDESCO International - A world standard for beauty and spa therapy education. We spoke to her about wellness in the spa industry and how spa therapists and managers can educate themselves to be successful.

In a business where the whole goal of service delivery is to create greater wellness for the client, the leadership and business does not always respond the same way to the people who work in it. More simply, the job of the spa is to make its clients look good and feel good, but does the spa also help, inspire, assist or coach the people who work there to look good and feel good?

As spa treatments continue to gain popularity across the country, concerns around hygiene and safety have come into the spotlight. Currently, there is no federal regulatory body for the Canadian spa industry.

Every April, Europe hosts in-cosmetics Global, the largest cosmetology conference in the world. During this event, participants can discover new ingredients and new ideas, and hear about the different projects researchers are working on worldwide.

Are you debating a shift in your spa business to become organic? Perhaps you’re hoping to stand out in a busy, and rather noisy, beauty industry or maybe this choice is in alignment with your company vision (or promise) of supporting guests in their pursuit of clean living.

Like many Canadians, I believe it is time to end the practice of animal testing for cosmetic purposes. Animal testing is a cruel and inhumane practice which is firmly rooted in the industrial environment of the mid-20th century.

With such intense competition for clients in the spa marketplace, it has become necessary for spas to differentiate themselves through innovation. This may mean creating unique experiences that will have clients coming back for more, or simply being able to perform at a high level.

In an increasingly competitive market, spa operators must take both a creative and personal approach to building and retaining client loyalty.
Taking the time to get to know your clients on a personal level allows you to connect with them and form a relationship.

The benefits of spa and wellness treatments can often be lost on spa goers. They may have come to relax and not engage in a lot of conversation. Their latest facial is the best one for them but the training protocol received by the aesthetician would be lost on them. Often, how a spa wants to get its message across isn’t how clients are receiving it.

The Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, VMAs, Met Gala – together they drive the celebrity circus that dominates our TV screens throughout the year. The events themselves are fascinating enough, with their wardrobe malfunctions, bad jokes and real-time drama, but before they even begin our eyes are glued to the red carpet.

Entering that tranquil space, stripped of the clutter and noise of the outside world, creates an opportunity for reflection and self-examination. It can also be a time of great vulnerability for the spa client. This raw state can be a great opportunity for a deep and meaningful experience, but it can also cause clients’ insecurities about their bodies and appearance to bubble to the surface.

The benefits of spa and wellness treatments can often be lost on spa goers. They may have come to relax and not engage in a lot of conversation. Their latest facial is the best one for them but the training protocol received by the aesthetician would be lost on them. Often, how a spa wants to get its message across isn’t how clients are receiving it.

There is a side to the spa that may put a skeptic on alert. The benefits of a massage or a body treatment might be readily apparent, as is the indulgent necessity of a mani-pedi, but what about something like gem therapy and Reiki? On the surface it seems like a New Age holdover of a more bohemian era, out of place in an age of results-oriented science-backed spa treatments.

A perfect massage is more than caresses, kneading, and patting. The perfect massage calms the mind, relieves muscle tension, brings us back into our physical bodies, re-energizes and restores us so that we can return to our over stimulated world and face the day to day challenges with renewed energy.

Like fine wine and good company, good food and a day at the spa go hand in hand. Picture this: you spend the morning being massaged and pampered, and after a soak in the hot tub or a cleansing session in the sauna, you pad down to the dining room in your spa robe and sandals for a delicious meal...

The spa is an oasis offering an escape from every day stresses – the daily grind of work, the pressures of parenthood, the addictive glow of smart phones – and importantly, a reprieve from the constant noise around us.

In this second part, we will now examine the incorporation of injectible cosmetic treatments which have rapidly gained in popularity in the past few years. Unfortunately, these medical treatments are now being trivialized and are no longer conducted only in medical clinics but are offered in many spas and salons.
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Sanctuary Day Spas has been on the Ontario spa scene since 1999. The Sanctuary experience includes a full range of spa and aesthetic services. Over the years, the name has grown into one of the most trusted and recognized in the industry...

Many spas have considered incorporating or have already incorporated medical spa treatments into their existing menu of services. The lure of all the potential benefits have outshone the reality of the risks and liabilities. It is imperative, however, to closely examine the drawbacks of becoming involved in medical spa treatments.

For the savvy spa owner, a healthy relationship with the right distributor can translate directly into increased sales, not to mention reduced stress. Find the right distributor to meet your spa’s needs and enjoy one-stop access to a variety of project lines, training and marketing support material to accentuate your clients’ experiences at the spa and dramatically increase your retail sales.

It’s a combination of spa, vacation, and bootcamp in the British Columbia wilderness, but the location is more than eye candy; it’s the setting and the modus operandi for Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa...

Over the last few years, the word wellness has become a staple in the spa industry. A 2010 study* supports this by showing today’s consumers most frequently mention exercise, eating better, and visiting a spa when asked how they enhance their wellness...

Spa and yoga form the perfect marriage to offer increased services to clients, and the growing number of spas with yoga on the menu are testimony to this ideal coupling. Toronto’s 889 is a hot spot for spa-going yoga enthusiasts...

Social media is part in parcel with your marketing. Like any business, your spa can benefit from implementing social media solutions tailored to your business. Here are seven tips that can help you maximize your online presence...

In a world of stress, spas are a serene environment offering relaxation and momentary relief from the daily grind. But for the spa owner, this tranquil space is a place of business and success in the spa industry is not a certainty. According to the 2006 Canadian Spa Sector Profile, the industry has become increasingly competitive over the years...

This year, People magazine named Gwyneth Paltrow the World’s Most Beautiful Woman. Last year it was Beyonce and in 2011 JLo took the top spot. All three women come from diverse ethnic backgrounds and are remarkably different— one with full, thick lips, another with a smaller mouth and a dimpled smile, yet something about...

Yolanda Delafranier is exasperated by the difficulties to get regulations adopted for aestheticians in Western Canada.
“It’s frustrating that there is no regulation,” says Delafranier, who works for Tru Spa Institute in Nanaimo, British Columbia, in admissions and community relations. Delafranier has worked tirelessly to get spa owners to recognize the value of a fully trained aesthetician but...

Environmentally conscious businesses are rapidly growing, and spas are among the leaders when it comes to prioritizing the planet and making sustainable practices a strategic part of their business plan. That's what happening at The Spa Ritual, an Asian-inspired eco-spa in Calgary that embraces sustainability by reducing waste, using natural products...

Watch out for the organic and all natural labels on the beauty products you select for use in your spas. They are not always what they claim to be. Lynn Shulman, owner of Elixir Organic Spa in Toronto, learned this the hard way. Over 10 years ago, Shulman suffered from a terrible allergic reaction from an "organic" beauty product she had purchased...

In a world going green, energy efficiency is a clear winner for both your ecological footprint and your bottom line. "We all need to have a green strategy today," says Shane Price, the CEO of Green Circle Salons, a company that helps both salons and spas make green choices...

New rules instituted by insurance companies across Canada this year are setting higher requirements for massage therapists to provide insurance claims for their clients. Massage therapy remains the primary treatment received by spa goers according to the International SPA Association 2011 U.S. Spa Industry Study...

Caviar lovers rejoice. Not only can they eat the rare and expensive delicacy, now they can have a facial with it. That's right. Customers at Chi, the Spa at Shangri-la in Vancouver, BC, can receive a 75-minute golden caviar facial.

Have you ever read the ingredients list on a bottle of face cream? Four-syllable words in tiny print can be difficult to decipher. Right now, there's a plethora of buzz words floating around. Peptides. Stem cells. What do they mean? What do they do?...

In addition to the spa-next-door, spa owners face competition from at-home options. They're convenient, sometimes more cost-efficient and marketed as being at least as effective as professional treatments. They come in all forms from laser hair removal devices to gadgets that tighten skin and...

A quickly progressing area of research is promising positive impact for the spa and wellness industry. Dr. Elissa S. Epel is unravelling the mysteries of telomeres and pointing to ways these little genetic accessories might offer guidance and measures for future health and wellness programs...

Salt has suffered a bad reputation for years, and even today remains an ingredient to avoid when meal-planning. However, Canadians can now benefit from another use of salt that has flourished in other parts of the globe: salt therapy...

In times of rising healthcare costs, ageing populations, increasing obesity challenges—coupled with an encouraging growing focus on sustainable living, the global spa industry is looking to rebrand as the wellness industry that plays a key role in preventative care and overall well-being...

When you think of detoxification, do visions of women crunching on carrots come to mind? Detox doesn't mean deprivation, though some fast to give the digestive system a break. Au contraire, detoxing involves supporting the body through toxin elimination with balanced nutrition, supplements, and treatments..

A simple change can go a long way. You've seen the makeover shows where a person tosses her wardrobe, cuts her hair, tries a new shade of lipstick and emerges completely transformed. At the end of the makeover she is beaming with pride and confidence...

Metallic blue shadow or bright orange lips may not be the average spa client’s idea of beauty; however, as daring as runway makeup can get, spas that offer makeup application should make a point to keep up with trends. “Fashion trends definitely have relevance in our industry,” says Shawn Towne...

With wedding season approaching, brides are scouting for the perfect spa or salon for their beauty regimen in preparation for their big day. Every bride wants to be the centre of attention—a princess for a day. From offering on-site visits to the bride on her day, to complimentary champagne and...

Customers won’t hesitate to switch companies due to poor service, whether it’s the phone company that keeps them on hold or the sales attendant busy gossiping with her co-worker. This also applies to spas. Half-off discounts and two-for-one specials will bring in business, but you won’t gain the...

Body, mind, and spirit translates into savvy business for the spa community. In today’s hustle and bustle world, spas are becoming a valuable, necessary part of a person’s complete health and care regimen. As important as a trip to the hair dresser, the dentist or the gym, from the day spa to the...

Fitness classes, yoga, and outdoor activities complement the wellness experience at a spa and can be the perfect match for the treatments offered. “It’s a wonderful pairing and I’m surprised more spas don’t have fitness offered in their facilities,” says...

From complimentary fruit and signature herbal teas to a five-star menu designed to please any palate, the nutritional services a spa offers are an important element in the whole body wellness experience for clients. “Spas are an ideal place to encourage healthy living and provide ...

What is the first image that comes to mind when you hear the words “spa day?” Scrap the cliché images of beautiful, young women in fluffy robes. Instead, picture this: macho men drinking herbal tea, toddlers receiving shiatsu massages, or fluffy dogs with pink nail polish...

Much action and debate in recent years has centred on the perceived lack of regulation and standards for the Canadian spa industry. In response, both Spas Relais santé in Quebec, and Leading Spas of Canada nationwide are among associations that have developed...

This September, the world gathered for a United Nations General Assembly on Noncommunicable Diseases, in recognition that these are the causes of the most deaths worldwide. Cancer itself is responsible for 7.6 million deaths annually (2008 numbers). Not to mention the vast numbers of fighters, and...

As the population of our planet balloons beyond seven billion this year, resources we take for granted become scarce and careful management of what remains is critical. Whether your spa is a behemoth with 50 or more staff, or a one-person boutique, there are opportunities to change the way you...

We have all heard about it, and apparently, many of us have tried it. From Groupon to LivingSocial to WagJag, group discount sites are flooding the internet, and the spa industry, in particular, is putting itself on the deeply discounted market. These daily deals are so dramatic, it sounds almost too good to be true—and in fact, it just might be...

The growing interest among spa-goers in advanced medical aesthetic treatments has started a new trend within traditional day spas. These spas are expanding their services to include medical cosmetic treatments. The procedures practiced are...

If you’re proud of your spa, if your clients are well-satisfied, and your marketing efforts progressive, it’s time to tell the world. Go online and nominate your spa in one of the categories offered by spAWARDS and earn the rights to tell the world your spa is a leader. A call for nominations is out, for 10 award categories including...

Two summers ago we launched the Opening a Spa series with the aim to prepare new spa owners for the challenges they face on the path to business ownership. In this, the eighth and final installment of Opening a Spa, we delve into education and training.

Think of a typical waiting room: it is a punishment to endure. However, a savvy spa owner can take that pit of ennui and turn it into an entertaining opportunity to increase business. Now, the waiting room can become an educational extension of the whole spa experience. The front desk can be the most...

If you’re looking to hire a young, ambitious, and talented beauty and aesthetics professional, there is one sure-fire way to find the best of the best. Simply look to the Skills Canada National Competition to meet the best...

Starting a spa business is an exhaustive and difficult endeavour. It takes hard work and long hours to take a spa from concept to reality. Once the spa is built, staffed and equipped, a spa owner can’t just sit back and watch the customers roll in.

In recent years the industry has witnessed the blending of the health care and spa industries with the emergence of the medical spa. And the model continues to evolve. The lines are blurring, say experts, bringing to light new opportunities and some unique considerations for stakeholders on both sides of the coin. “The main point of differentiation is that...

With each passing day, you’re getting closer to the grand opening of your new spa business. It’s been more than a year now since the Opening a Spa series debuted with the business plan guide, and we’re hopeful that we’ve helped you through some of the roadblocks along the way.

In the spa industry, the most effective methods of seeking out resumes from qualified candidates don’t cost a dime. White will also foray into social media advertising, like that which is available through Facebook....

Products are one piece of the jigsaw puzzle that is bringing a successful spa together. Products in the spa can be boiled down to fit into one of two classifications: those that are used in treatments and those that are sold as retail. They may be the same. There are a lot of variables to consider when deciding on the products you will use for services and as retail goods..

Real estate agents can do a lot for potential spa owners, so enlisting the services of an agent, particularly an agent with experience in the retail/commercial field, comes as a highly recommended approach.

As a hopeful spa owner, you need to know all of the potential costs associated with running the business. To break it down, what will your initial investment be?When starting from scratch…
… you’ll need to buy land, pay for contractors, workers, permits and materials to construct your...

The very first thing that a potential spa operator needs to do is develop a business plan. This is the most fundamental document that a spa entrepreneur will create and its purpose is manyfold. It will provide internal guidance over a set period of time, it will keep track of activities for any external advisors, will keep the...